April 18 2012 Appalachia Newsletter

Greetings to all folks near and far.

Here is a little tidbit for you:

It seems that during the 1600s there was a test, or trial by ordeal, that was then thought to be extremely accurate. This test would prove if a person was a witch or not. Since the colonists believed water was pure then the water would not accept the body of a witch. Some people accused and tried for witchcraft had to be put through this ordeal after they were tied cross-bound and dropped in deep water. If the person floated, they would be declared a witch and sentenced, often to be executed. Now here is the kicker: If the person sank and drowned, they would be declared innocent and their body would be buried in consecrated ground.

Here is my latest article from the Appalachia site at BellaOnline.com.

Grace Sherwood - The Last Witch Trial
Although the trial of Grace was the last witch trial held in North America, today she is remembered and honored as a healer, herbalist, and a good woman with a kind heart.